Asper School of Business

Startup Coach Program

No matter what stage in your entrepreneurial journey you are at, the Stu Clark Centre of Entrepreneurship Startup Coach is a resource to provide coaching, guidance, and mentorship to help start, build and scale your business.


 

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Ben Startup Coach talking to students

Startup Coach Program

Book your FREE appointment

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    All UM Students Welcome

    Available to all students across any faculty at University of Manitoba

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    120+

    Students Coached

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    50+

    Student Business Ideas

About the Startup Coach Program

A Startup Coach helps student entrepreneurs turn ideas into real businesses. They offer one-on-one support on everything from planning and marketing to funding and team building.

The Startup Coach Program is free for all University of Manitoba students and counts toward your UM Experience Record. Book a session—online or in person—at any stage of your startup journey to get feedback, explore ideas, and build your next big thing.

Ben isakov Stu Clark Centre Startup Coach Coaching Students

Learn more about our Startup Coach

1. Personalized One-on-One Coaching

Get tailored advice to help you shape, grow, and launch your business idea—no matter what stage you're at.

2. Enhance Your UM Experience Record

Earn official recognition on your UM Experience Record for your entrepreneurial involvement.

3. Access to a Broad Entrepreneurial Ecosystem

Connect with Manitoba’s startup network and gain access to resources, mentors, and funding opportunities.

4. Support for Students from All Faculties

Open to all UM students, no matter your program or background—entrepreneurship is for everyone.

5. Proven Track Record of Impact

Join a program that has supported over 160 one-on-one sessions and reached 3,100+ students last year.

Student Testimonials

Anthony Theriault, Co-Founder of Eleven59

"At first, I wasn't sure about reaching to the Startup Coach; it can feel intimidating to share your ideas. But looking back, it was one of the best decisions we made for eleven59. The advice and support we received has been invaluable and helped us get to where we are today. There's no way we could have made this much progress without it. Thanks, Ben, for your constant valuable advice and strategies."

Devon Bath, Co-Founder of GradFinder

"Ben has provided us with unwavering passion and dedication that has been transformative in our journey to create GradFinder. His insightful guidance and commitment to our success have not only shaped our vision but also provided us with the tools and confidence to navigate challenges. We truly couldn't imagine where we'd be without mentorship - he's been the cornerstone of our entrepreneurial journey."

Quadric Francisco, Founder of UMaps

"As an engineering student, it was difficult to see the business aspects of my venture. Ben really helped me expand my mindset and give me the resources to succeed. Ben also help me keep an open mind in developing my venture in order to build my skills and my idea into something bigger."

Book your meeting with our Startup Coach
Eleven 59 students with Stu Clark Centre Startup Coach
GradFinder students standing with Startup Coach Ben Isakov
Stu Clark Centre Startup Coach Ben Isakov working with students

About Ben Isakov

Ben isakov Stu Clark Centre Startup Coach Coaching Students

Who is Stu Clark Centre Startup Coach?

Ben seamlessly integrates his wealth of business expertise into the academic realm. In his role as the Start Up Coach, he bridges the gap between academia and industry, leveraging his Business Breakthrough Strategist and Exit Planning Advisor background to cultivate strategic partnerships and provide invaluable support for ventures. 

Ben's commitment to fostering innovation and guiding emerging entrepreneurs aligns seamlessly with the university's mission, making him an instrumental figure in driving collaborative success and facilitating the transformation of groundbreaking ideas into sustainable, real-world business ventures. 

Learn more about Startup Coach Ben Isakov

Book meeting with Startup Coach

To set up your free meeting with the Startup Coach, please follow the steps below:
  1. Set up your Startup Tree Account. 
  2. Click "Mentor" on the top menu
  3. Click the blue button "Book Meeting Now". From here you can view a calendar and book in a meeting at a time that is convenient for you.
  4. If there are any materials you would like us to review before the meeting, please send through the Startup Tree platform

Have questions? Stop by our office at 212 Drake Centre or email us - ben.isakov@umanitoba.ca

Fast Lane Coaching

Entrepreneurial Resource Hub

Stu Clark Centre for Entrepreneurship
Room 212 Drake Centre 
181 Freedman Cres.
University of Manitoba
Winnipeg, MB R3T 5V4

Ben.Isakov@umanitoba.ca
204-474-8443